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Sony acknowledges issues with live-service gaming

CFO Lin Tao admits that PlayStation's live-service model is facing significant challenges.

August 7, 2025 at 12:11 PM
blur PlayStation Admits Live-Service Gaming Is 'Not Going Entirely Smoothly'

Sony's CFO acknowledges ongoing struggles with live-service games amid project failures.

PlayStation faces challenges in live-service gaming

Sony’s Chief Financial Officer Lin Tao reported that live-service gaming has not been entirely successful for PlayStation during a recent earnings call. Highlighting notable failures like Concord, she stated that while there have been setbacks, there have also been some successes, including live-service games like Helldivers 2, MLB The Show, and Gran Turismo 7, which have contributed positively to sales. Nevertheless, Tencent’s Concord project reportedly cost between $200 million and $400 million and faced significant losses. Tao emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes without denying the challenges that remain. The company has also canceled several live-service projects, indicating concerns about this gaming format.

Key Takeaways

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Sony's live-service gaming is struggling amid high-profile failures.
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Recent failures include the disastrous launch of Concord.
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Successful titles like Helldivers 2 show potential gains.
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The CFO admits challenges while noting past improvements.
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Several live-service projects were canceled early this year.
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The company is learning from its mistakes to improve future launches.

"It’s not entirely going smoothly."

This reflects the overall sentiment of disappointment surrounding live-service games.

"Of course, we recognize that there are still many issues."

This shows Sony's awareness of the challenges it faces moving forward.

"We should learn the lessons from mistakes."

Tao emphasizes the need for growth and adaptation from past failures.

"There's definitely been a change over five years."

This highlights the company's long-term view amid current struggles.

The situation at PlayStation underscores the volatility of the gaming industry as companies pivot towards live-service models. Despite the potential for ongoing revenue, the failures of specific projects highlight the risks involved. Many gamers are skeptical about live-service content, often questioning its long-term viability. Tao's acknowledgment of the difficulties ahead suggests a cautious but hopeful strategy moving forward. This balance between innovation and stability could define Sony's future in live gaming.

Highlights

  • Failure can be a stepping stone to success in gaming
  • Learning from mistakes is crucial for Sony's next steps
  • Is live-service gaming still a viable model for PlayStation?
  • Sony aims to improve after costly project missteps.

Concerns over budget and project failures

The financial losses from failed projects like Concord raise questions about Sony's future strategy in live-service gaming. With numerous cancellations, the sustainability of this model appears to be at risk.

The industry's future depends on how well Sony can adapt and innovate without further setbacks.

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